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Older drivers' abilities put to test for physicians

By: Aldo Santin

Posted: 11/26/2009 1:00 AM | Comments: 0 (including replies)

Prof. Michelle Porter demonstrates driver-reaction testing equipment in her office on Tuesday. (JOE.BRYKSA@FREEPRESS.MB.CA)

A University of Manitoba researcher is involved in a national study designed to develop a series of tests physicians can use to assess an older person's driving abilities.

Michelle Porter, a professor in the faculty of kinesiology and recreation management, is one of the investigators in the Candrive (Canadian Driving Research Initiative for Vehicular Safety) project.

Porter said over a five-year period the project will monitor the driving habits of 1,000 drivers aged 70 years and older and assess and monitor their physical health.

"We want to come up with simple tests physicians can do in their office," to determine if an older person is fit to drive, Porter said.

The national study will look at drivers in seven communities -- Victoria, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Hamilton, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. The study is funded by the Canadian Institute for Health Research.

Porter said most provinces require physicians to report those who are not medically fit to drive, but adds that many physicians are reluctant to do so because they lack the tools necessary to make a sound ruling.

In Winnipeg, Porter will work with about 135 older drivers. Devices will be installed in their vehicles that will monitor the number of trips they take, distance travelled and where they go.

"We know older drivers tend to self-regulate, avoiding situations they're not comfortable with," Porter said.

In addition to monitoring their driving habits, Porter said participants will also be assessed once a year at the U of M's neuromuscular performance and aging laboratory.

Porter said all findings will be kept confidential but added that if the research uncovers a major medical problem with a participant that information will be forwarded to the person's physician.

Porter is working with 35 older drivers now and is looking for another 90 drivers for the five-year study.

aldo.santin@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition November 26, 2009 A7

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